Custom Home Builder

What to look for when selecting an ethical Custom Home Building Company:

Call each Builder on your list and spend a few moments talking to them about your project. Ask them to send you some information on their company. If you liked the conversation and they follow up on your request then keep them on your list and set up a personal interview.

  1. Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number and a business license.

  2. Check and write down their state contractor’s license number. Check with the state and make sure the number matches the General Contractor’s name and address and that it’s valid.

  3. Don’t hesitate to ask the contractor for proof of all the insurance they carry.

  4. Make sure they show you proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you if someone is injured working on your property and to protect your property itself.

  5. Make sure the contractor is financially stable. Ask the Builders to supply you with financial references. You want to make sure that the Builder has a good business relationship with a financial institution. Call these financial references.

  6. Professionalism is very important; look at how the company represents itself during your initial meeting. Building a custom home can be very stressful and you want to find a builder that you feel comfortable dealing with.

  7. Insist on a written proposal on company stationary and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.

  8. Have the builder contact your architect to see if they are on the same page as to design and the physical project itself.

  9. Look for a company with a proven track record that allows you to call references to verify their work. Call those references, especially the last three. Visit the homes they built.

  10. Look for a company that your lender will work with. Call your lender and make sure they will work with the builder. This is imperative.

  11. Look for a company that will provide you with a list of their subcontractors. Call them and make sure the builder pays them in a timely fashion and have the subcontractor’s show you proof of insurance. Remember by law, a subcontractor can place a lien on your home if your builder fails to pay them.

  12. Look for a builder that will fully explain your options and will work within your budget.

  13. Have an Attorney review any documents before you sign them.

Questions to ask when selecting a company in this industry: 

  1. How long have you been in business under your company name?

  2. How long have you been in business in this area?

  3. Do you have a physical location?

  4. May I have your contactor number?

  5. Will you show me proof of insurance?

  6. Will you provide me recent references and phone numbers?

  7. Will you provide me a financial reference?

  8. Will you provide me a list of your subcontractors?

  9. Will you contact my Architect and meet with them?

  10. Will you work closely with me on maintaining my budget?

  11. How accessible will you be once the building begins?

  12. Can I meet the supervisor that will be in charge of my project?

  13. Can you meet my time-line for construction?

 		    

After interviewing and running an extensive background check the National Association Against Consumer Fraud has awarded the following business a listing in The Business A-List:

Gold Key International

6009 South Orange Ave.
Orlando, Fl 32809
Phone (407) 851-0680

Gold Key International Inc. started in South Orlando in 1975 as a continuation of the family business.  Building up to 10 custom homes a year and light commercial buildings are the mainstay of our vocation.  In the past ten years the remodeling aspect of our work has developed and expanded.  Gold Key is a member of the National and Local Homebuilders Association and the Remodelers Council.

We offer experienced people, trained in refined building methods, energy efficiency and “green environment”.  Resource conserving homes are necessary and healthy air quality a must.  The focus on technology is a new way to help put comfort and value into the home.

Being third generation in the building industry in the same area for over 50 years shows proven performance and pride in all of our projects.  After being in an area for most of your life, one cannot help but treat customers as friends and neighbors:  This is our Goal.

 

 
 

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